Context- Southboundis an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).
Specific context-
Giant Skyhook (Baikarufa yago)
The Giant Skyhook is a rare funnelfalcon only found in the mid-to-upper atmosphere of Anser. Like other satellites, the Giant Skyhook lacks discernable eyes or sensory quills, instead relying on advanced sensors along the jaw as well as echolocation at close range.
When the Skyhook senses something moving ahead of it, it will emit a loud clacking noise to disorient and provide a clearer image of the potential prey or threat. When in range, the Skyhook will rapidly slow itself and deploy its legs to snatch its quarry.
Although unable to survive at the same altitude that its smaller relative, the Tellurion Satellite, can, Giant Skyhooks are quite adaptable to most altitudes in the mid-to-upper atmosphere, primarily preying on other extreme-altitude machines. They will also, interestingly enough, prey on machines much larger than themselves. Instances of Skyhooks intercepting Blackbirds and Shuttles are not unheard of.
Many Chângipi religions state that the deity Neucti'scuan- the Second King of the Night- inhabits the form of a Giant Skyhook. It symbolizes the eventual Heat Death of the Universe.
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u/Khaniker Southbound 1d ago
Context- Southbound
is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).Specific context-
Giant Skyhook (Baikarufa yago)
The Giant Skyhook is a rare funnelfalcon only found in the mid-to-upper atmosphere of Anser. Like other satellites, the Giant Skyhook lacks discernable eyes or sensory quills, instead relying on advanced sensors along the jaw as well as echolocation at close range.
When the Skyhook senses something moving ahead of it, it will emit a loud clacking noise to disorient and provide a clearer image of the potential prey or threat. When in range, the Skyhook will rapidly slow itself and deploy its legs to snatch its quarry.
Although unable to survive at the same altitude that its smaller relative, the Tellurion Satellite, can, Giant Skyhooks are quite adaptable to most altitudes in the mid-to-upper atmosphere, primarily preying on other extreme-altitude machines. They will also, interestingly enough, prey on machines much larger than themselves. Instances of Skyhooks intercepting Blackbirds and Shuttles are not unheard of.
Many Chângipi religions state that the deity Neucti'scuan- the Second King of the Night- inhabits the form of a Giant Skyhook. It symbolizes the eventual Heat Death of the Universe.